How long does it take to set up a camper trailer?

In this short guide, we will answer the following question: How long does it take to set up a camper trailer? We will explain how to set up a camper step-by-step and how to deal with high humidity – a common occurrence when setting up a camper trailer. 

How long does it take to set up a camper trailer?

On average, it should take you half an hour to set up a camper trailer, depending on how much experience you have and how large the RV is. Below is an overview of the steps that must be completed to properly set up a camper trailer.

From the outside:

1. Level the tent trailer crosswise.
2. Level the tent trailer lengthwise.
3. Deploy the stabilizers.
4. Unlock the latches holding the roof and base, there is a latch at each of the four corners
5. Raise the roof using the crank if your model is manual or the switch if your tent trailer has an electric motor.
6. Stop the roof elevation when the rope near the upright is tight. The rope is usually red in colour.

From the inside:

1. Install the bed supports at the front and back.
2. Pull-on the bed panel until it stops. Some camper models will require the installation of a stabilizer bar under the bed after it is opened.
3. Attach the bottom of the canvas to the bed panel. Some models will have rubber bands that hang from anchors located under the bed panel, while others will have a Velcro strip to stick around the edge of the panel. Some models will have both.
4. Install the safety posts on the uprights. There are usually two safety posts, it is recommended to install them crosswise, one at the front corner of the door side and the other on the left side of the other side.
5. Close the canvas panel over the uprights.
6. Detach the top of the door from the tent trailer ceiling and secure it to the bottom of the door and to the ceiling anchors.

How to connect your camper trailer to campsite services

Follow these steps to connect your camper trailer to a water and electricity source:

1. Position the water pressure regulator in the “CITY WATER CONNECTION” mouthpiece and connect the water hose to it.
2. Connect the water hose to the outlet allowing water from the sink to drain out if necessary.
3. Open the propane cylinder located on the drawbar.
4. Connect the electric cable.

To close, simply perform the same steps in reverse. Be careful to push the canvas back inside to avoid it being damaged by rubbing between the roof and the base.

Other questions you may be interested in

Can a Kia Sportage tow a pop-up camper?

Can a minivan pull a pop-up camper?

Can a Nissan Versa pull a pop up camper?

How to set up the beds of a hydride camper trailer

There are two main types of latches for hybrid trailer beds, the one with a bar along the sides of the bed and the one with a hook clamp. Some hybrid trailer models require the mattress to be placed elsewhere in the trailer when the bed panel is closed, others will allow it to be attached with straps, so the mattress will stay in place on the panel.

• Here are the steps to deploy the bed having a latch consisting of two bars:

Exterior steps

1. Unlock the bars using the key if your model includes a lock.
2. Lower the handle of each bar to disengage the two bar hooks.
3. Lower the bed and install the support bars if necessary.

Interior steps

1. Insert the canvas support bar into the hoop and push the hoop into place at the end of the bed.
2. Insert the other end of the support into the plinth or hook attached to the centre of the ceiling just in front of the bed.

• Here are the steps for the latch model including swivel bars attached to the bed panel inserting into hooks installed on the wall of the trailer.

Exterior steps

1. Unlock the clamps or hooks using the key if necessary.
2. Press the base of the hook to open the opposite side.
3. Pivot the bar attached to the bed panel to release it from the hook.
4. Repeat on the opposite side.
5. Lower the bed and install the supports if necessary.

Interior steps

1. Insert the canvas support bar into the hoop and push the hoop into place at the end of the bed.
2. Insert the other end of the support into the plinth or hook attached to the centre of the ceiling just in front of the bed.

To close the beds, just follow these steps in reverse. It is important to fold up the canvas well so that it does not get caught between the bed panel and the wall of the trailer. This could damage the canvas in addition to preventing the seal from being waterproof, allowing water to slip in.

What to do if there is high humidity in the camper trailer?

You should know that this is often due to a lack of ventilation, especially when there are several occupants in the RV. A large difference in temperature, hot inside and cold outside also favours this condensation since the humidity of the air inside condenses on contact with the colder fabric.

• Always leave a window ajar and the ceiling dome open.
• Use a portable fan to circulate the air near the canvases.
• Do not overheat the interior of the trailer.
• Try to cook your meals outside and avoid boiling water inside if possible. Potential sources of moisture must be cut off.
• Installing a more efficient ceiling fan like a MaxxFan can help address this problem by improving the airflow inside the RV. A MaxxAir ventilation cover that allows the ceiling ventilation hatch to be left even when it rains will also help alleviate this problem.

Finally, some models of tent-trailers and hybrid trailers are equipped with heated mattresses. It is also possible to have them added. This will allow you to be comfortable by heating the interior of the RV less and limiting the condensation created in the canvases.

What to do if drops of water form on the side of the camper trailer?

The fabric used for the side screens where there are mosquito nets is different from the rest. While the majority of the canvas is made from vinyl or Aqualon, these panels are made from cotton.

• Treat the canvas panels opposite the screens with a fabric waterproofer.
• What to do if drops form along the seams of the canvas?
• Seams should be treated with waterproofing. New tent trailers can also let droplets through on their first outings. The product used for waterproofing must react with water before it is completely waterproof.

If your tent trailer or hybrid trailer is new, monitor the situation and wait for a few drops of rain.

The bottom line

Setting up a camper trailer will get easier with each trip. As long as you follow our steps, you will manage to set it correctly and feel safe and comfortable inside. 

Please let us know if you have any comments or questions about the content. 

FAQ on How long does it take to set up a camper trailer?

What is caravanning?

The “caravaning” is the name given to the fact of travelling the world with the house in tow, that is, with a motorhome or caravan. It is a phenomenon with deep roots in European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and France.

What are caravans?

A caravan is also known as a mobile home or mobile home, and it is a type of closed trailer vehicle made up of basic furniture inside resembling a house or mobile home.

How does the water system of a caravan work?

In the caravan, it is only a small jet of water that lightly cleans the toilet. Very little water is used in each flush of the cistern. The tank is filled with a special liquid whose only function is to give a good smell. If you do not have this liquid, you can simply use water.

How much does a motorhome weigh? 

The maximum authorized weight in most motorhomes is 3,500 kg, thus allowing it to be driven with the “B” license. However, the weight margins are decreasing, causing many drivers to travel overweight, without even knowing it.

References

• Camping setup times; how long does it take you? – 4WDing Australia
• How Long Does It Take to Set up a Travel Trailer in a Campground?
• For Beginners: HOW TO SET UP AN RV CAMPSITE (8 STEPS TO …